First artificial heart in Hyderabad hospital

Heart failure is a degenerative, terminal disease affecting more than 20 million patients worldwide and causing more than 7.25 million deaths each year. Approximately 1 million patients suffer from Class IV heart failure, the most severe stage of the disease. Heart transplantation is a proven treatment option for class IV heart failure patients, but a limited number of donor hearts are available each year. In this scenario, ventricular assist devices can provide circulatory support until a donor heart becomes available (called bridge-to-transplant therapy), or provide long-term support as an alternative to transplantation (called destination therapy in many countries). A new miniature heart pump that fits in the palm of a hand has been introduced for the first time in the city by the Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS). The lightweight device is easier to implant, reducing patients' recovery time and risk of complications

City-based Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) has introduced an artificial heart--HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD)--a landmark development in cardiac surgery on the occasion of World Heart Day, on Monday. HVAD, which is roughly the size of a golf ball, sits inside the chest and is connected directly to the heart. It allows blood to be transported from the heart to organs, ultimately allowing patients to live longer, dramatically improving the quality of life. This device is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage heart disease.

The device can support either a failed left ventricle (LVAD), right ventricle (RVAD) or both ventricles (Bi VAD). Dr B Bhaskar Rao, MD & CEO and chief cardiothoracic surgeon, KIMS Hospitals, said, "We anticipate that HVAD would be more durable than any other pump we've used so far. It allows us to perform a potentially life-saving procedure for often desperately ill patients with end-stage heart disease.”

Dr Praveen Nandagiri, heart transplant and devise surgeon, KIMS Hospitals, says, “We at KIMS have a robust heart failure management programme on par with transplant centres outside India. We manage heart failure patients, both acute and chronic, with tailor made options ranging from pharmacological to surgical intervention, all under one roof.”

HVAD is powered by a small controller, outside the body, which is connected to a small cable that passes through the skin of the upper abdomen. HeartWare’s external mechanisms, including the controller and battery, which weighs less than four pounds, makes it easy to carry them over the shoulders in a backpack. The external controller operates the pump and features a two-line LCD screen to display parameters, alarms and troubleshooting tips on operating the system.

Facts about HeartWare (HVAD)

HVAD weighs 160 gms

It can pump 10 liters of blood per minute

Heartware is made of titanium